McAuliffe, Wagner will top their spots on Democratic primary ballot

Former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe of McLean will be first on the ballot in the June 9 Democratic gubernatorial primary in Virginia because he was the first to file more than 10,000 signatures yesterday with the State Board of Elections.

Former Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner of Virginia Beach will be first among the Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor.

McAuliffe and Wagner each filed about noon, the earliest possible time under the filing deadline set by the State Board of Elections.

McAuliffe's petitions contained the names of 17,243 registered voters. At least 10,000 are required. Wagner filed 17,858 names.

After first saying he might not file yesterday because of a potential problem with notary public signatures, former Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria filed 16,928 names later in the day. A spokesman said the problems with the notaries had been straightened out.

A spokesman for Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County said he will file his names next week. Candidates have until April 10 to do so.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, meanwhile, who is to be nominated at a convention and doesn't have to worry about petition drives, is busy raising money for his campaign. He will formally announce Saturday.

Last year's Republican presidential nominee, John McCain, will headline a fundraiser tonight at a private home in McLean. Tucker Martin, a spokesman for McDonnell, said the event is expected to raise $250,000.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will help McDonnell raise money at events in Virginia on Monday and Tuesday.

Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or .